Religion plays a fundamental role
in cultural development, as it forms the bases of an individuals or groups social
construction.
What is religion?
Religion has been defined as a
system of beliefs based on humanity's attempt to explain the universe and
natural phenomena, often involving one or more deities or other supernatural
forces and also requiring or binding adherents to follow prescribed religious
obligations. Two identifying features of religions are they to some extent (a)
require faith and (b) seek to organize and influence the thoughts and actions
of their adherents. Because of this, some contend that all religions are to
some degree both unempirical and dogmatic and are therefore to be distrusted (
http://www.cultureandreligion.com/).
A culture in a religious context,
therefore bases beliefs, values, customs, behaviours and artefacts around
religion.
Why is religion important in a culture?
Religion is important because it
provides a formalized structure for culture to be maintained. Religion was
created from the established social practices within the respective community.
The leaders within the community determined among themselves what would be
appropriate social behaviours and conduct. They then established laws that gave
support to these concepts, which were designed to promote morality and decorum
within the society. God was used as the ultimate authority which could never be
challenged and the resultant social/cultural contract is called religion.
Types of Religion (4 main ones):
- Christianity
(Christian/Catholic/protestant)
- Buddhism (Buddhist)
- Islam (Muslim)
- Judaism (Jew)
Diversity:
There is a diversity of religions
around the global, all possessing different attributes (beliefs, morals, etc).
From a geographical point of view, this is important because it can dictate the
migration of people, as well as politics in certain localities and countries. A
generic overview of religion in a geographical context is listed below.
- Northern Ireland and the
migration of people into the UK/USA
- Religion and environmental
stewardship
- Sharia (Muslim) Law and policy in
the Middle-East
- Religion and wider cultural
change e.g. in regards to sexuality and gender (equality)
Religion has a massive presence
globally in regards to social and cultural contexts as individuals and groups
base their identities and life styles on religion. This will be touch later on
in ‘models’.
Map: Religion is everywhere, but on a global scale, a clear divide exists, based back to ancients times and human evolution.
I will keep this blog post short,
as it can easily stray into religious education easily.
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